NEW YORK — A New York-based packaged salad maker has issued a recall of some of its spinach-containing products due to possible listeria contamination.
The FDA said Thursday that Newburgh-based Solata Foods LLC has issued a recall of its bagged “fresh spinach” that may be contaminated with bacteria that can cause serious or even fatal infections in young children, older adults or people with weakened immune systems. Other healthy people might also experience short-term symptoms such as fever, nausea, headaches and more.
The affected spinach was distributed to local retail stores, in various products, sizes and brands, including Gaia, Solata, Uncle Vinny’s, Full Circle, Bogopa, Famer Direct and more. All packages with potentially contaminated vegetables have lot numbers 40606 and 11006, with expiration dates of June 20 and 24.
No illnesses related to the affected products have yet been reported.
The bacteria was found in a 9-ounce package of fresh Bogopa spinach, production of which has since been suspended. Anyone with affected products is urged to return them to the place of purchase.
A complete list of products included in the recall is available on the FDA website.
What is listeria?
Listeria is a bacteria found in water, soil and animal feces, according to the Mayo Clinic.
It can contaminate many different types of food and survive refrigeration. When a person consumes listeria and becomes ill, the infection is called listeriosis. It is especially dangerous for older people, those with compromised immune systems, or pregnant people.
Listeria infection is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illnesses in the US.
Symptoms of listeria
Symptoms of listeria infection, according to the CDC, may include:
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle pains
- Neck stiffness
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Seizures
Pregnant people who become infected with listeria may only experience symptoms of fever, muscle aches and fatigue, but an infection can lead to pregnancy loss, premature birth or a life-threatening infection in a newborn.
How long after eating contaminated food does listeria appear?
Symptoms of a listeria infection usually begin two weeks after eating contaminated food, but can begin as early as the same day or up to 10 weeks later.
Consumers who experience symptoms after eating a recalled product should call a healthcare provider immediately.
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